A Practical Guide to Teaching Neurodivergent College Students

A transformative approach to college teaching that creates more inclusive, effective learning environments

A Practical Guide to Teaching Neurodivergent Students by Jennifer L. Pusateri is a practical handbook designed for higher education faculty and educational developers who are ready to embrace neuroinclusive instruction in their classrooms. Drawing on both research and lived experience, Pusateri, a neurodivergent author and seasoned educational consultant, guides college teachers through understanding, supporting, and amplifying the successes of neurodivergent college students.

This accessible and engaging guide blends personal narrative, research, and actionable strategies to demystify neurodivergence and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The book first clarifies essential concepts, unpacks the strengths and challenges faced by students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more, and challenges deficit-based thinking about neurodiversity in academia. Instructors will find three practical UDL-aligned instructional planning approaches, complete with templates and real-world examples, that can be immediately applied to course design. The final section features 30 field-tested strategies targeting six common areas of difficulty for neurodivergent learners, empowering readers to implement inclusive changes right away.

Whether you are a department chair, instructional designer, or individual faculty member, this book provides the clarity, tools, and inspiration needed to create equitable, flexible, and welcoming college learning environments.